Does Virginia Beach, VA have its own tattoo & body modification ordinance?

No. Virginia Beach, VA does not appear to have a local tattoo & body modification ordinance, Virginia state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Virginia DPOR Tattooer Statute.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit fee: $1,200/year, Dept. of Public Health
Zoning: conditional use in B-2 district only
Minors: parental consent required under 18
Records: kept minimum 4 years
Penalty: Class 2 misdemeanor, Class 1 repeat

Summary

Tattoo parlors and body piercing shops need a $1,200 annual permit from the Virginia Beach health department and are allowed only as a conditional use in the B-2 Community Business District.

No person shall control, operate, conduct or manage any tattoo parlor, whether actually performing the work of tattooing or not, without first obtaining a permit from the department of public health. ... The permit fee shall be one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200.00) for a one-year licensing period from January 1 to December 31.

Source: Virginia DPOR Tattooer StatuteView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 170 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

City Code § 23-51 requires anyone operating a tattoo parlor to get a $1,200 annual permit from the Department of Public Health, covering autoclave sterilization, disposable gloves and needles, four-year client recordkeeping, and written parental consent for anyone under 18. Body piercing establishments face an identical permit and sanitation regime under § 23-53.1. Zoning-wise, the City Zoning Ordinance allows tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments only as a conditional use in the B-2 Community Business District (§ 242.1), so operators need city council approval for the location on top of the health permit. Violating the health and safety rules is a Class 2 misdemeanor, rising to Class 1 for repeat offenses.

Violations & Fines

First offense is a Class 2 misdemeanor; a second or later violation of the tattoo, piercing, or sanitation rules is a Class 1 misdemeanor, both under City Code § 23-51(h) and § 23-53.1(h).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a tattoo shop anywhere in Virginia Beach?

No. The City Zoning Ordinance permits tattoo parlors and body piercing establishments only as a conditional use in the B-2 Community Business District, so you need city council approval for the specific site.

Do minors need parental consent for tattoos or piercings?

Yes. Under City Code § 23-51 and § 23-53.1, anyone under 18 needs written parental or guardian consent on file, and the operator must verify age with ID.

Sources & Official References

[1]Virginia Beach City Code, Ch. 23 (§§ 23-51, 23-53.1)

Other rules in Virginia Beach

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSignificant Restrictions Towing CompaniesSome Restrictions Secondhand DealersSignificant Restrictions Auto Repair on Residential PropertyHeavy Restrictions Massage EstablishmentsSome Restrictions Tobacco Retail LicenseSome Restrictions Adult EntertainmentSignificant Restrictions PawnbrokersSignificant Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSignificant Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Virginia Beach rules

Compare Virginia Beach to another location·View the Virginia business licensing & operations overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.